Editorial Note: This article was written prior to the conclusion of the NFL Draft, meaning these “predictions” have known outcomes at the time of reading. Brief summaries of each pick can be found below the predictions, with a synopsis on what actually happened and whether or not I was correct.
The NFL Draft is just a few days away, and tensions are high as we wait to hear who will be called first. Today, I’d like to go over what I believe could be a very realistic top 5 in this year’s Draft. In doing so, I’ll give my selection at each of the top spots, followed by some stats and reasoning as to why I think they’re the right pick. So with that, let’s get started with the #1 overall selection!
#1: Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB
Plain and simple; The Titans have been without a franchise guy for over a decade now, and experiments with guys such as former Heisman Marcus Mariota and other quarterbacks have brought little to no promise for the future. That all changes with this pick, as Cam Ward is a generational talent at the quarterback position. Posting a stat line of 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions (all while maintaining a QBR of 88.7), Ward was in contention for some heavy hardware while at Miami University. He was a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, the award given to the nation’s best player that season. He was also named ACC Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season, an impressive feat for such a competitive division. What separates Ward from other prospects however is what isn’t shown on a trophy or the stat sheet – It’s his poise, his pocket presence, and the way he carries himself – It’s nothing short of miraculous how effortlessly he tosses pass after pass with perfect accuracy. His calm demeanor in the pocket, along with an NFL-ready 6ft2, 224lb stature, is what makes Ward the consensus #1 pick, and they’re what will also make him a star in the league.
#2: Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter, WR/CB
The overall best ‘talent’ award goes to Travis Hunter of the Colorado Buffaloes. When’s the last time you saw a player start both ways in the NFL, let alone be dominant on both ends as well? If you told me never, I’d believe you; because up until this year, I’d never seen it myself. But here we are now, 6 months removed from one of the most insane seasons a player has ever put together, and Hunter will be awarded with a well-deserved top 3 selection spot. The reason I have the Browns as his destination is because they are in dire need of a spark plug, someone to get both the offense and defense going. Hunter posted 96 receptions on the year for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense, while recording an impressive 35 tackle, 4 interception campaign on the defensive side as well. At 6ft1, 186lbs, Hunter makes up for what he lacks in size with pure athleticism. He’s a specimen unlike any player we’ve seen play the sport, and joining the Browns would leave fans ecstatic knowing every Sunday will be loaded with fireworks and highlight reels.
#3: New York Giants – Abdul Carter, OLB
The last time the G-men took an edge rusher in the top 3, he won an MVP and cemented his legacy as one of the league’s greatest defenders ever. Abdul Carter is as freakish as they come. Somebody that’s 6ft4, 251lbs shouldn’t be able to run a 4.47 40-yard dash, jump 34 inches, or bench press 380lbs. Carter is the exception, not the rule. The Giants are a few pieces away from being contenders, so it makes total sense to draft another dominant defender to pair with Pro Bowlers Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns. Many analysts believe the Giants will look to trade rising star Kayvon Thibodeaux for a variety of draft picks if Carter is selected, which would allow the pick at #3 to be much more effective in a win-now situation. Carter tallied 68 tackles, 12 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles on the season, which speaks levels to his ability to hit the quarterback where it hurts. There’s nothing wrong with going another direction here for the Giants, whether it’s quarterback, offensive line, or even running back; But in a spot where both Ward and Hunter are off the table, Carter makes the most sense to me.
#4: New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OL
While offensive linemen are never the “sexy” pick, they’re essential to a quarterback’s success, especially when that quarterback is entering year two this upcoming season. The Patriots found a gem in Drake Maye last year, who shined in an otherwise dormant offense. The Patriots’ unit placed 31st in the league, just one spot shy of dead last, with less than 300 total yards per game. With some bolstered weapons and increased protection up front, Maye could take the step from good to great, or even elite, this season. On 557 pass-blocking snaps at LSU, Campbell allowed only 2 sacks – 1 vs. Florida and 1 vs. Oklahoma. When you consider his 6ft6, 330lb frame it’s no surprise just how dominant he is in the trenches, and he’s certainly a guy the Patriots would love to have on their team.
#5: Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham, DL
Another trench guy goes here at #5, and he’s one of those guys you pray you’ll never have to block in your life. He is an interior game-wrecker to complement what’s already on Jacksonville’s roster, like Edge Rusher Josh-Hines Allen and Travon Walker. At 6ft3, 320lbs, Graham is a wrecking ball in the middle of the field, and going through him is like going through a wall. He totaled 46 total tackles and just under 4 sacks on the season, but the stats don’t do justice to his play. He prevents runs up the middle, and forces players outside where his teammates can make the play. With the already young and hungry edge-rushing duo mentioned before, Graham would play the perfect role in the Jags’ defense.
- The Titans did in fact go with Ward at #1. No surprise there, as he’s the best prospect in this years draft.
- Travis Hunter did go #2 overall, however the Jacksonville Jaguars traded with the Cleveland Browns to take him instead.
- The Giants stuck with Abdul Carter, the assumed pick in their position.
- The Patriots did in fact bolster their offensive line with Will Campbell.
- Mason Graham went 5, but instead of going down south he’ll be staying closer to home as he’s headed to Cleveland to play with the Browns.
So there you have it, my 2025 NFL Draft Top-5 predictions! Hope you enjoyed and found this useful, and best of luck to everyone’s favorite teams on Draft Night.
